The European Commission and Transparency International are stepping up their joint efforts to safeguard EU funds from fraud and corruption and improve the way how our vital investments are managed. On 5 May, Transparency International is organising a conference in Brussels to promote the pilot project "Integrity Pacts - civil control mechanism for safeguarding EU funds against fraud and corruption" funded by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy. The event will bring together institutions and civil society organisations to raise awareness about this new tool aimed at helping Member States, regions and cities effectively manage EU investments. The conference will also promote the call for expression of interest due to be launched in early May 2015 and stimulate the participation of EU co-funded projects around Europe in piloting the Integrity Pacts.

The conference takes place at "The Hotel", 38 Blvd Waterloo, Brussels from 9.30 to 18.00 and will include as keynote speakers Walter Deffaa, Director General for Regional and Urban Policy, European Commission, Professor Kevin Morgan, special adviser to Commissioner for Regional Policy Corina Creţu and Miklos Marschall, Deputy Managing Director, Transparency International.

The Integrity Pact was developed by Transparency International to support governments, businesses and civil society to improve trust and transparency in public procurement. The Commission now aims to pilot Integrity Pacts for several EU co-funded projects by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Cohesion Fund. They promote cost efficiency and good governance, and can also encourage institutional changes, such as the increased use of e-procurement systems, simplified administrative procedures, improvements of regulatory environments and promotion of good governance.